Soo My Gussets are here and I am doing the TF solid uppers and of course the lowers themselves.

After a good cleaning is weld through primer really a good idea? In terms of heat I know I need to watch out for the Ball Joints and probably the axle seals too. So do I tack em', and run short sections of bead (Alternating drivers side to passenger) to allow for cooling? Lastly preheating cast parts is generally a good idea but is it in this case?

 

So you're planning on running double upper gussets?

But regardless of that, I just welded a set of gussets in for Rockness Monster's JK last weekend, and we basically did just what you're talking about. (Although we replaced/upgraded his ball joints at the same time, so didn't need to worry about damaging those.) I basically just tacked them in, and like you said, just work in short bursts on each one, switching from upper to lower and side to side, so that the weld has time to cool and not deform from the heat.

And what primer are you talking about? We painted the gussets after the welding was finished, not before.

And no, we didn't bother with preheating anything. Just made sure that the metal that was going to be welded had a good, clean contact surface for the weld.

Good luck though.

For those who didn't swap out for new ball joints, I think they kept a cold wet cloth over the BJ's while welding, to keep them from getting damaged.

 

i found a write up on it. http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...cement-gussets

 

Yeah I have seen ALOT of double upper gusseting (Solid underneath the bracket style) with great results. Helps with the top of the "C" via the bracket with the added strength of the "Spine" from the solid gusset.

Weld through primer is awesome stuff but is somewhat new on the scene. "Copper Weld-Thru Primer is designed to effectively eliminate the corrosion that forms between welded substrates. Provides excellent adhesion and the copper enriched formula provides superior conductive properties that minimize the heat zone, thereby reducing distortion and welding spatter."

Being in the land of the road salt beltway ... Any corrosive deterant is good.

Thanks Guys I really appreciate it!!

 

what brand of weld through are you using? and btw, it's nothing new. some people swear by it and some people hate it. all up to you. personally, I wouldn't waste the money or time for use on the gussets

 

I was going to go with Eastwood primer. Hmmmm really not worth the effort then? Effin' Road salt 'round here is murder on stuff that isn't protected. I will more than likely douche it with Por15 when all set said and done.

 

ok, atleast you aren't wanting to use 3M. I'm not saying don't do it, but for me personally, as much money as some of them cost $30 and up, it is not worth it to me. I live on the Florida coast so I do understand the rust protection. I think do the POR15 and call it a day. By all means, it's your money so do what you want if that makes you feel better about it. But some people don't like using them simply because of how hard it is sometimes to burn through the primer

 

I like the "Spine" effect that the TF's give. I also like the beef of a bracket style. ... so from what I have seen from the guys who have done both = beef!


Yeah Maybee I am just going to do the weld up and glop the area with por15. I just want all the nook and crannys covered for my personal enjoyment. The FL coast is hell on aluminium (Especially under the hood) bracketry. You guys have it bad I will say. I have the double whammy (Coastal living AND every salt truck out to get me) So I am being a bit anal I admit.